Akron Reporter

U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes, who has represented Ohio’s 13th district since 2023 after succeeding Tim Ryan, used her social media platform to highlight public lands, healthcare policy, and environmental restoration in a series of posts on September 23 and 24.

On National Public Lands Day, Sykes posted about the significance of public lands in the United States and specifically referenced Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In her post dated September 23, she stated: "Happy National Public Lands Day! America’s plentiful public lands make our country unique. In #OH13, the Cuyahoga Valley National park plays a key role in our economy, natural footprint, and culture. On National Public Lands Day, we recommit to protecting these precious https://t.co/iSxwa42Tg1".

Later that day, Sykes addressed concerns regarding recent Medicaid policy changes affecting Ohio residents. She wrote on September 23: "Children in Ohio are already feeling the harmful effects of Medicaid cuts. Republicans just made it worse with the Big Ugly Bill, which will kick nearly 490,000 Ohioans off their healthcare. https://t.co/oxu4Eu3qlj".

On September 24, Sykes commented on environmental progress related to the Cuyahoga River and highlighted her legislative involvement: "The removal of the Gorge Dam is a big step forward for the Cuyahoga River. Rep. Sykes is an original co-sponsor of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025, legislation to continue providing federal funding to support the remediation of areas of concern, such as the https://t.co/FnqIBPNs7L".

Sykes has served in Congress since January 2023 and previously held office in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. Born in Akron in 1986 and currently residing there at age 37, she holds degrees from Kent State University (BA) and a JD from the University of Florida.